Getting sick of my CLK
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 43
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From: Boston, NYC, Indianapolis
1999 E300 TDI, 2000 CLK430, 2000 E320, 2003 S55, 2005 SL500, 2011 ML350
Getting sick of my CLK
Okay, after having spent thousands in preventative maintenance, I am getting sick of getting raped at the dealer. Just rolled 100K. And of course the service B cost me $650 where they listed out about $7,000 worth of needed service. Bushings, Control Arms, Wheel Bearing repack, Tranny Service. Fuel Filter, A leaking rear differential which costs $2000 alone to repair. Oh yeah and an annoying window problem. Opens fine, but doesn't close entirely unless I wiggle it. Gets stuck on the molding. They say window regulator for $675. Yet I don't notice the car feeling any different or needing this much work based on the 90K service. At this point I am contempletating just trading it for a Lexus IS-F or even a BMW 335ci. This car is costing me as much if not more to maintain and fix than my Porsche 928. I am venting right now and would like to stay a benz guy, but is $7,000 reasonable for all this work? 
00 CLK430
00 CLK430
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,745
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From: NJ
w208
Okay, after having spent thousands in preventative maintenance, I am getting sick of getting raped at the dealer. Just rolled 100K. And of course the service B cost me $650 where they listed out about $7,000 worth of needed service. Bushings, Control Arms, Wheel Bearing repack, Tranny Service. Fuel Filter, A leaking rear differential which costs $2000 alone to repair. Oh yeah and an annoying window problem. Opens fine, but doesn't close entirely unless I wiggle it. Gets stuck on the molding. They say window regulator for $675. Yet I don't notice the car feeling any different or needing this much work based on the 90K service. At this point I am contempletating just trading it for a Lexus IS-F or even a BMW 335ci. This car is costing me as much if not more to maintain and fix than my Porsche 928. I am venting right now and would like to stay a benz guy, but is $7,000 reasonable for all this work?
00 CLK430
00 CLK430
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Joined: May 2007
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they always quote u a shtload of stuff to make the car "perfect" ...they always do the same with me wen my car is fine...its just mostly stuff that u dont "NEED" but mayb should get done if u want it all in "perfect" workin order.......if there aint nuthin wrong then fk it ...leave it
When i went in for my inspection in April thay quoted me $1300 for a new wiper motor and wiper transmission b/c it had a slight grinding noise.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 43
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From: Boston, NYC, Indianapolis
1999 E300 TDI, 2000 CLK430, 2000 E320, 2003 S55, 2005 SL500, 2011 ML350
So what do you guys do when the time comes to get this stuff done? Do you actually use the stealership or do you go to an indy? I know some of you guys are really hands on and do stuff yourself, but I'm not so mechanically inclined. I live in the NYC area. Anybody know of any good indy's?
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Joined: May 2007
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So what do you guys do when the time comes to get this stuff done? Do you actually use the stealership or do you go to an indy? I know some of you guys are really hands on and do stuff yourself, but I'm not so mechanically inclined. I live in the NYC area. Anybody know of any good indy's?
Take your ride to a trusted, well established indy. Have them look over the car. Once you get a diagnosis of the what they think is wrong compare it to the dealer. Then AFTER they look over the car see what they say about the things the stealer pointed out. Before paying anyone search the boards, ask questions, and investigate. Rank what needs more attention than others. Fix things first that will be dangerous or annoying, and save up for the other things that will help the car be "perfect"
My CLK is 8 years old.... Things are not going to be "perfect". Luckily, I have been blessed with a worry free CLK but some members have constant troubles. I think you are in desperate need of a second look from a diffrent pair of eyes before you drop $7000
Good luck
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: SCV SoCal
2002 CLK430
I think you need a new dealer or a *good* Indy. A bad Indy can ultimately cost more than a dealer.
I do most of my own work, but when I do use the dealer, it’s nothing like what you’re describing.
First, a B service. I d my own A/B, but if I didn’t, my local dealer has specials. The A service is on sale right now for $159. http://www.mbzvalencia.com/view_service_specials.htm
When the B service goes on sale it’s BELOW $300. The off-sale B service is below $400. The regular price for a transmission fluid/filter change is also below $300. An OE fuel filter is $125. That’s just the part. A Bosch filter is $35. If you can’t change a filter yourself (simple job), have an Indy do it. Ditto for the rear seal. I had my rear seal done under CPO warranty. They had the car a half day and the parts involved were inexpensive.
What do they want for the control arms and suspension work?
Lastly, to find a GOOD Indy, ask a NYC MBCA member.
I do most of my own work, but when I do use the dealer, it’s nothing like what you’re describing.
First, a B service. I d my own A/B, but if I didn’t, my local dealer has specials. The A service is on sale right now for $159. http://www.mbzvalencia.com/view_service_specials.htm
When the B service goes on sale it’s BELOW $300. The off-sale B service is below $400. The regular price for a transmission fluid/filter change is also below $300. An OE fuel filter is $125. That’s just the part. A Bosch filter is $35. If you can’t change a filter yourself (simple job), have an Indy do it. Ditto for the rear seal. I had my rear seal done under CPO warranty. They had the car a half day and the parts involved were inexpensive.
What do they want for the control arms and suspension work?
Lastly, to find a GOOD Indy, ask a NYC MBCA member.
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So what do you guys do when the time comes to get this stuff done? Do you actually use the stealership or do you go to an indy? I know some of you guys are really hands on and do stuff yourself, but I'm not so mechanically inclined. I live in the NYC area. Anybody know of any good indy's?
Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 139
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From: NYC
Clk320
"If it aint broke dont try to fix it". I have learned that the hard way. Just keep up with regular maintenance and dont drive her too hard unless your on the highway.
Dont feel bad. Everytime something goes wrong with my car I threaten to sell it lol. I still love her though.
Dont feel bad. Everytime something goes wrong with my car I threaten to sell it lol. I still love her though.
Last edited by ClkE20; May 25, 2008 at 07:22 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 303
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From: NorCal
BMW
I'm starting to feel the same way. I've had the car since 2005 and it hasn't been a problem. Just regular maintenance has been done.
I'm at 83k miles right now and I already know I will be approaching all those problems your having and I think right now, personally, would be a good idea to sell the car.
I'm at 83k miles right now and I already know I will be approaching all those problems your having and I think right now, personally, would be a good idea to sell the car.
